2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

One of the most profound pieces of advice was given to me by a wise elder. “Then don’t.” I was rather surprised by his answer because I had just said I didn’t feel like reading the bible. We are always met with encouragement to do the right thing. We strive to advise on the side of those things we know will prosper our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wise counsel almost always sides with connecting with God and each other.

This elder recognized there was a struggle going on inside of me. He believed my conversion was real, he believed God was working in my life. He also knew that God is better at mending a broken heart than man. He had the gift of discernment which allowed him to see this was a heart issue and not one of the mind. He knows that God cares more about our happiness than even our closest friends and family.

We have a tendency to hold resentments against friends and family that do not want to go along with the program. Spoil sport, whiner, selfish, deputy downer are thoughts that creep into the mind at those times. I’ve thought those words, I’ve heard those words. They do nothing to heal a troubled heart.

While 90% of pastors will tell you this verse is about tithing because of the previous passage, please allow me to interject the issue of sowing the seed of faith. Whatever you do in obedience of faith, God desires your happiness, you cheerfulness, it the effort. If you find yourself feeling a little like the child that says; “I don’t wanna.”, I would hope you would look to the cause.

Heart and soul, not the same thing.